a month in the garden state

when i "crash" landed during the peak of the december 09 nor'easter, i was hoping that it wouldn't have been a preview for what the next four weeks would be like: dizzying and turbulent. thankfully, i was able to get a grip on land and enjoy my time away from earthquakes and deadlines.

i came with christmas gifts, a limited wardrobe for a cold climate and objectives.

- i had to "convince" my folks into taking me to benitos II on mulberry street
- i had to "convince" robin murphy into getting some fresh mozzarella from my favorite little deli in hoboken
- i had to "convince" my friends into carting me over to a particular jersey diner for a fried egg sandwich with fresh tomatoes.
- i had to "convince" sarah murphy into getting a slice of pizza from benny tudino's and every other pizza place in manhattan
- i had to "convince" nova roman into a pilgrimage to new brunswick for a slice of pizza... a few times.

let's call this section the "san francisco offers disappointing italian food so michael felt it necessary to beg anyone with a car to take him to his favorite italian places" i'm not ashamed.

-new york new york new york
- see the tim burton exhibit at the moma





- try to hold back tears upon seeing jack skellington in the ...flesh?
(i don't think i actually achieved this goal. i welled up quite a bit. i regret nothing.)
- visit family, friends and check in on how the east coast has been.
- totally appreciate the gifts from everyone this year.
- have heart to hearts with particular loved ones.
- go on a mini vacation during my vacation. a weekend in the country, let's call it.

we went to the poke a nose... this joke has probably been done millions of times, but it's my turn now.


it was a winter wonderland


i showed some of the courageous kids how to be like jesus and walk on water.


there was also fort construction and demolition...



...face painting...


...some light reading...


... and extreme sledding. the boys team clearly won.

as if my month long stay wasn't already incredible, my last day was spent with tons of friends, family and food. the trip really climaxed on the last night when my family and i danced together in the great room. it was a first for all of us...and it was perfect.

i left feeling rejuvenated and ready for another round of san fran-chaos.

love and loyalty.